My dealer is recommending brake fluid change, coolant service and also front and rear differential. I know what the differential is, but I'm not sure what they want to do with it. My question is--which of these do I really need? As far as I know, none of these have been done as part of it's regular service, despite the many $$ I've paid for such. Please advise...making service appt. now.

 

Follow your service manual and service minder.
Service of front and rear differential as used here prob refers to oil fluid change as also coolant and brake does.
If you did not have these done it is prob about time but your
service manual and service minder should be your Bible.
It is preventive maintanence.

 

year of car please?

brake fluid is every 3 yrs. differential...isn't that code 6 in the MID?

and yes...look in your owner's manual it will tell you what is typical. there are no mileage dependent services for the 2G MDX. now if you have a 1G MDX...refer to owner's manual and maybe member with a 1G MDX can chime in.

 

it's a 2007

 

I've got an 07 as well and have gotten the differential fluids done but nothing else. Probably should keep up with it since we are in it for the long run with this MDX.

 

OP- have you had the brake fluid done yet? its been 4 almost 5 years. might be a good idea.

the only fluid that does not have an indicator or interval is the power steering fluid. only change IF the fluid is dirty. some flush at regular intervals (say 60K mi) for preventative measures.

coolant is code 5 on the MID, differential fluid is code 6 (if IIRC). only do these IF the MID is calling for it. otherwise, your dealer is just trying to make money off you by overservicing your car.

 

If you have paid for them then why do you suspect that they haven't been done? Do you use Acura for your services?

 

Apparently, these aren't included in your regular mileage services and I haven't paid for these 3 services. I will have the brake service done this time. What is the MID? If I can find it, I will. All my service has been with Acura and I have the extended warranty thru Acuracare. Still maintenance must be paid for, but I'm not sure if these services are mileage based why Acura doesn't include them in their regular service due on that mileage date.

 

your maintenance minder on your dash. scroll through the info button. the codes should pop up with your oil life indicator. there are NO mileage intervals for this car or any current acura except the 105K timing belt, but even this is in the MID indicator. code 4.

i have an 05 TL...always followed the maintenance minder/MID. it will tell you when things need to be done (at least the maintenance things less the brake fluid and the power steering fluid).

have your car ever given you an "A" service code or "B" service code sometimes with or without a number? this usually occurs when oil life has reached less than 15%. OR have you been solely going by mileage? if you've been going by mileage only...the dealer really likes you and your wallet. do you have your owner's manual handy? take a peek in there for the maintenance intervals.

 

excellent. I go by the service reminder on the car. So, I will check it out. I currently have B10 showing, which I assume is oil change and I'll do the brakes. I'll check for the rest and the manual and see what it says. I have both. This should clear up my questions. Thanks!!!

 

B10? or is it B1? the numbers only go up to 6. if you have your receipts and service records...check those to find out what has been done and when. i keep all of mine in a spread sheet.

 

If your Acura dealer has always done your maintenance then they have probably followed the MIDs recomendations - they are not going to turn down the profits on all of that care. Your dealer will also have the records so a quick call to your service writer will tell you what you have had done. If your past bills exceed the price of an oil change then they must have done something to justify the cost. It sounds to me that you are typical of some owners who rely on their dealer to take care of you and with Acura and its MID you should be OK.

 

Have an 07 MDX with 68.5K on the odometer and dealer suggested coolant, brake and transmission fluid changes / flush. Opted for the coolant and brake flush as we had the torque converter replaced under warranty earlier this year. We expect to be in for the long haul as well so felt these were good services to get done even if they were a little pricey.

 

The maintenance minder just bases things off your gas mileage. Someone that drives mostly city, will get notices at shorter intervals than someone who drives all highway. With that said, I would not change the coolant. It should not be dirty or contaminated. It will get changed when they do the timing belt, and water pump at 105K. Most brands do not change the coolant till 10yrs/100K miles now. I flush my brakes everytime I change the pads. Because I'm already in there. You're brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers the boiling point of the fluid. I don't expect you would ever notice the difference unless you're riding your brakes coming down a steep mountain, towing a trailer. The difference between a 300 degree boiling point, and a 500 degree boiling point is only noticeable on my track car. You would have to be really using the brakes for a long period of time to get the fluid that hot even on 10 yr old brake fluid. Once the fluid boils, the brakes get mushy, and the pedal can go to the floor (because there is now air in the lines). If you haven't had new pads installed yet, you're getting close to needing them probably. I would do the fluid at the same time. No need to make 2 trips.

 

Good points.

Opted for the coolant flush because the fluid is coming up on 5 years old - even if it is good for 10 years (seems like an awfully long time) and it's going to probably be another 2+ years before we reach 105K.
In terms of the brake fluid - we probably should have waited as we are going to need brakes soon, but not sure if they actually replace/flush the whole system.