Oil changes are one of the most common maintenance tasks performed on a vehicle. Changing the oil on your Acura MDX 2009 is a relatively simple process that can be completed in about an hour or so. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to change the oil and filter on your Acura MDX 2009.
First, you will need to gather the necessary materials. These include:
– New oil filter
– New oil (5 quarts)
– Oil drain pan
– Wrench
– Funnel
– Rags
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the oil change process. Start by raising the vehicle on a jack or ramps. This will give you access to the oil drain plug. Place the oil drain pan under the oil drain plug and then use the wrench to loosen the plug. Allow the oil to drain into the pan. Once the oil has stopped draining, replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
Essential Materials and Tools
Essential Materials
Changing the oil in your 2009 Acura MDX requires a few essential materials. These include:
– **Acura-recommended oil (5W-20)**: This is the best oil for your MDX’s engine and will help it perform at its best.
– **New oil filter (15400-RTA-003)**: The oil filter traps dirt and debris from the oil, so it’s important to replace it every time you change the oil.
– **Oil drain pan**: This is a shallow pan that you’ll use to catch the old oil as it drains from the engine.
– **Funnel**: This will help you pour the new oil into the engine without spilling it.
– **Socket wrench and 17mm socket**: You’ll need these to remove the oil drain plug and the oil filter.
– **Gloves**: These will protect your hands from the hot oil.
Essential Tools
In addition to the materials listed above, you’ll also need a few essential tools for this job:
– **Jack**: This will allow you to raise the front of your MDX so that you can access the oil drain plug.
– **Jack stands**: These will support the front of your MDX while you’re working on it.
– **Chocks**: These will prevent your MDX from rolling while it’s raised.
Preparing the Engine
Before changing the oil, it’s important to prepare the engine to ensure a smooth and efficient process:
Gather necessary materials:
Ensure you have all the necessary materials, including new oil (refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended type and quantity), a new oil filter, a wrench to remove the oil drain plug and filter, and an oil pan to collect the used oil.
Warm up the engine:
Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil and reduce its viscosity. This makes it easier to drain and allows for more efficient removal of contaminants.
Gather necessary materials:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Wrench | New oil |
| Oil filter wrench | Oil filter |
| Oil pan | Funnel |
| Rags or gloves | Drain plug washer (if necessary) |
Locating the Oil Drain Plug
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and safety gear, you can proceed to locate the oil drain plug. This plug is typically located at the bottom of the oil pan, which is the lowest point of the engine. To locate the drain plug, follow these steps:
- Slide underneath the front of your Acura MDX 2009 using a creeper or jack stands.
- Look for a black or silver plug with a 17mm head. This is the oil drain plug.
- The drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the oil pan, which is the lowest part of the engine. It may be difficult to access, so you may need to use a socket wrench or a combination of wrenches to loosen it.
In some cases, the drain plug may be covered by a protective shield or splash guard. If this is the case, you will need to remove the shield or guard to access the drain plug.
Draining the Old Oil Safely
Draining old oil involves collecting the used oil and filter into a suitable container. For this, you’ll need the following materials:
Materials
- Oil drain pan
- Oil filter wrench
- New oil filter
- New oil (Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended type and quantity)
- Funnel
Safety Precautions:
Before starting, ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, the engine is off, and the parking brake is engaged. Allow the engine to cool down slightly to avoid burns. Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection.
Steps:
- Locate the oil drain plug beneath the oil pan. Place the drain pan under the plug to catch the draining oil.
- Using the oil filter wrench, loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Be cautious as hot oil will start draining out immediately.
- Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan. This may take several minutes.
- Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug by hand-tightening it and then using the oil filter wrench to further tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Locate the oil filter at the top of the engine. Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter.
- Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
- Screw on the new oil filter by hand as much as possible, then use the oil filter wrench to tighten it further. Again, avoid overtightening.
- Pour the new oil into the engine using a funnel. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and quantity.
- Check the oil level using the dipstick. Ensure it’s between the “min” and “max” marks.
- Reset the oil life reminder system in the vehicle, if applicable.
- Dispose of the used oil and filter properly. Never pour them down the drain or on the ground.
By following these detailed steps, you can safely drain the old oil from your 2009 Acura MDX and replace it with fresh oil and a new filter.
Removing the Oil Filter
Materials you’ll need:
- New oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil pan
Step-by-step instructions:
- Locate the oil filter, which is usually near the bottom of the engine. It’s a cylindrical part with a black cap.
- Place the oil pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that may spill.
- Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Once the oil filter is loose, carefully remove it by hand. Be prepared for some oil to drain out.
- Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket on the new oil filter. This will help create a seal and prevent leaks.
- Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until it’s snug. Do not overtighten.
- Tighten the oil filter an additional ¾ to 1 turn using the oil filter wrench.
- Dispose of the old oil filter properly.
Additional Tips:
- Use a new oil filter every time you change your oil.
- Do not overtighten the oil filter. This can damage the gasket and cause leaks.
- If you’re having trouble removing the oil filter, use a penetrating oil to loosen it.
Installing the New Oil Filter
Replacing the oil filter is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your engine. Here’s how to do it for an Acura MDX 2009:
1. **Prepare your materials:** Gather a new oil filter, a filter wrench, a funnel, and some engine degreaser.
2. **Locate the oil filter:** The oil filter is typically located on the side of the engine, near the top. It’s a cylindrical component with a black cap.
3. **Clean the area:** Spray some engine degreaser around the oil filter housing and surrounding bolts to remove any dirt or debris.
4. **Loosen the oil filter cap:** Using the filter wrench, gently loosen the black oil filter cap. Be careful not to over-tighten it when you reinstall it.
5. **Remove the old oil filter:** Pull the old oil filter straight out of the housing. It may be difficult to remove, so use a bit of force if necessary.
6. **Lubricate the new oil filter gasket:** Apply a thin layer of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter. This will help create a tight seal and prevent leaks.
7. **Install the new oil filter:** Carefully insert the new oil filter into the housing and turn it clockwise by hand until it’s snug.
8. **Tighten the oil filter cap:** Using the filter wrench, tighten the black oil filter cap securely. Again, avoid over-tightening.
Tightening the Oil Drain Plug
7. **Tighten the Oil Drain Plug:**
Once the oil has drained completely, replace the oil drain plug and washer. Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper tightening:
- Place the new washer onto the oil drain plug.
- Hand-tighten the plug into the oil pan.
- Using a torque wrench, tighten the plug to the specified torque (33 ft-lbs).
- Double-check the tightness of the plug to prevent any leaks.
- Clean up any oil spills or residue around the oil pan and plug area.
Recommended Tools: Torque Specification: Torque wrench 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm) Adding Fresh Engine Oil
Now that the drained oil is out, it’s time to add fresh oil. Locate the oil filler cap on your engine. It’s usually located on the top of the engine, and it will have a symbol for oil or the word “Oil” printed on it.
Remove the oil filler cap and pour in the amount of oil specified in your Acura MDX’s owner’s manual. Check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure that you’ve added the correct amount. The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the dipstick.
Once you’ve added the correct amount of oil, replace the oil filler cap and tighten it securely.
Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the new oil throughout your engine.
Check the oil level again with the dipstick to ensure that it’s still at the correct level.
If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the correct level. If the oil level is too high, remove some oil until it reaches the correct level.
Now that you’ve added fresh engine oil, your Acura MDX is ready to hit the road again!
Checking the Oil Level
Location: Top of the engine Symbol: Oil Correct Oil Level: Between “min” and “max” marks on dipstick Checking the Oil Level
Checking the oil level in your 2009 Acura MDX is a quick and easy way to make sure your engine has enough lubrication. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Park your MDX on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick into the engine and pull it out again.
- Check the oil level on the dipstick.
- The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
- If the oil level is low, add oil to the engine until it reaches the upper mark on the dipstick.
- Reinsert the dipstick and check the oil level again to make sure it is correct.
Additional Tips:
* Check your oil level regularly, especially before long trips.
* If you are unsure how to check the oil level, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
* Do not overfill the engine with oil, as this can damage the engine.
* If you notice any leaks or other problems with your oil system, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.Oil Type Capacity 5W-20 synthetic oil 5.8 quarts Resetting the Oil Life Indicator
Once you have finished changing the oil in your 2009 Acura MDX, you need to reset the oil life indicator. This will let your car know that you have changed the oil and that it is time to start counting down to the next oil change. To reset the oil life indicator, follow these steps:
- Turn the ignition to the “ON” position, but do not start the engine.
- Press and hold the “SEL/RESET” button on the dashboard.
- While holding the “SEL/RESET” button, turn the ignition to the “START” position.
- Continue to hold the “SEL/RESET” button until the oil life indicator resets to 100%.
- Release the “SEL/RESET” button.
The oil life indicator will now be reset and will start counting down to the next oil change.
Oil Type Viscosity Capacity Conventional 5W-20 5.8 quarts Synthetic 0W-20 5.8 quarts How to Change the Oil in an Acura MDX 2009
Materials:
- 5 quarts of 5W-20 full synthetic oil
- New oil filter (Acura part number 15400-PLM-A02)
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Rags or gloves
Steps:
- Locate the oil drain plug. It is a 17mm bolt located at the bottom of the oil pan.
- Place an oil pan under the drain plug.
- Loosen the drain plug using an oil filter wrench. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
- Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Locate the oil filter. It is usually located near the top of the engine.
- Remove the oil filter using an oil filter wrench.
- Apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
- Screw on the new oil filter by hand until it is snug.
- Tighten the oil filter using the oil filter wrench.
- Pour 5 quarts of 5W-20 full synthetic oil into the engine using a funnel.
- Check the oil level using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
- Reset the oil life indicator.
People Also Ask
How often should I change the oil in my Acura MDX 2009?
According to the Acura maintenance schedule, you should change the oil in your MDX 2009 every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
What type of oil should I use in my Acura MDX 2009?
Acura recommends using 5W-20 full synthetic oil in the MDX 2009.
How much oil does an Acura MDX 2009 take?
The Acura MDX 2009 takes 5 quarts of oil.
Can I change the oil in my Acura MDX 2009 myself?
Yes, you can change the oil in your Acura MDX 2009 yourself if you have the proper tools and materials. However, it is always recommended to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
