Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Gauges & Instrument Panels All sections

Gauges Acura MDX I

Gauges & Instrument Panels 35 illustrations ~1633 words

Scheme 12

Scheme 12: Component Location Index

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: '03 Model

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: '04-06 Models

Exploded View ('03 Model)

Note. '04-06 models has no bulb replacement. Replace the gauge assembly.

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Exploded View ('03 Model)

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: '03 Model

Scheme 17

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 22: '04-'06 Models

Scheme 23

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 28: Gauge Assembly Replacement
  1. Remove the instrument panel (see «INSTRUMENT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard__instrument-panel-removalinstallation) ).
  2. Remove the screws from the gauge assembly (A), and spread a protective cloth (B) on the upper column cover.
  3. Disconnect the connectors (C), and remove the gauge assembly.
  4. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 29

Scheme 29: Select/Reset Switch Test

Scheme 30

Scheme 30
  1. Remove the instrument panel (see «INSTRUMENT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard__instrument-panel-removalinstallation) ).
  2. Disconnect the 5P connector (A) from the select/reset switch (B).
  3. Check for continuity between the terminals in each switch position according to (Scheme 30).
  4. If the continuity is not as specified, replace the bulb(s) (C) or remove the two screws, and replace the switch.

'03 Model

Note. For '04-06 models, always replace the gauge as an assembly.

Scheme 31

Scheme 31: '03 Model

Scheme 32

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 34
  1. Remove the gauge assembly (see «GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#gauges) ).
  2. Remove the cover (A) from the back side of the gauge assembly (B).
  3. Remove the meter lens and visor (A) from the gauge assembly (B).
  4. Pry up the tabs with a screwdriver.
  5. Remove the meter assembly.
  6. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.

Scheme 35

Scheme 35: Coolant Temperature Gauge Needle Does Not Move At All

Scheme 36

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 37
  1. Check for fuel and emissions-related DTCs. If you find any, repair the problem, and clear the DTC before continuing.
  2. Jump the SCS line with the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS).
  3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  4. Disconnect PCM connector B (56P).
  5. Connect the PCM connector terminal B6 to body ground with a jumper wire.
  6. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). After 30 seconds or more, does the temperature gauge needle move to the hot mark? YES - Check connections. If OK, substitute a known-good PCM and recheck (see «PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems__pcm-updating-and-substitution-for-testing) ). If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original PCM. NO - Go to step 7.
  7. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and disconnect gauge assembly connector B (18P or 22P*). *: '04-06 models
  8. Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal B6 and gauge assembly connector terminal B3 (or B5*). *: '04-06 models Is there continuity? YES - Replace the fuel and temperature gauge assembly or the printed circuit board (PCB) ('03 model) or replace the gauge assembly ('04-'06 models). NO - Repair open in the wire between PCM connector terminal B6 and gauge connector terminal B3 (or B5*). *: '04-'06 models

Scheme 38

Scheme 38: Coolant Temperature Gauge Needle Goes Past The Hot Mark

Scheme 39

Scheme 39
  1. Check for fuel and emissions related DTCs. If you find any, repair the problem, and clear the DTC before continuing.
  2. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
  3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  4. Disconnect PCM connector B (56P).
  5. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and watch the coolant temperature gauge. Does the temperature gauge needle stay on the cold mark? (you may have to watch it for about 30 seconds.) YES - Substitute a known-good PCM and recheck, (see «PCM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/auxiliary-emission-control-systems/#fuel-and-emissions-systems__pcm-updating-and-substitution-for-testing) ). If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original PCM. NO - Go to step 6.
  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF, and disconnect gauge assembly connector B (18P or 22P*). *: '04-06 models
  7. Check for continuity between gauge assembly connector terminal B3 (or B5*) and body ground. *: '04-'06 models Is there continuity? YES - Repair short to ground PCM connector B6 and gauge connector terminal B3 (or B5*). NO - Replace the fuel and temperature gauge assembly or the printed circuit board (PCB) ('03 model) or replace the gauge assembly ('04-06 models). *: '04-06 models

Vehicle Speed Signal Circuit Troubleshooting

Before testing

  1. Check to see if Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0721 (9) is indicated. If it is, troubleshoot the DTC (see «DTC P0721: PROBLEM IN OUTPUT SHAFT (COUNTERSHAFT) SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission__dtc-p0721-problem-in-output-shaft) ).
  2. Inspect the No. 9 (10 A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box.
  3. Check for continuity between the gauge assembly 14P (or 16P*) connector C9 and C10 (or C12 and C13)* terminals and body ground (G501).

Scheme 40

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 43
  1. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
  2. Disconnect gauge assembly connector C (14P or 16P*).
  3. Connect the C2 (or C3*) terminal to the positive probe of a voltmeter, and connect the negative probe to body ground. To prevent damage to the gauge assembly, lay the gauge assembly on a shop towel. *: '04-'06 models
  4. Put the vehicle in neutral with the ignition switch ON (II).
  5. Slowly rotate (over 3 mph (2 km/h)) one wheel with the other wheel blocked. Does voltage pulse from 0 to about 5 V or more? YES - Replace the speedometer or the printed circuit board (PCB). NO - Go to step 6.
  6. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
  7. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  8. Disconnect PCM connector B (56P).
  9. Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal B26 and gauge assembly connector terminal C2 (or C3*). *: '04-'06 models Is there continuity? YES - Go to step 10. NO - Repair open in the wire between the PCM (B26) and the gauge assembly.
  10. Disconnect driver's multiplex control unit connector B, multi-information display unit connector B (without navigation) or navigation connector C (with navigation), climate control unit connector B, and the driver's power seat control unit connector A.
  11. Check for continuity between PCM connector terminal B26 and body ground. Is there continuity? YES - Repair short to ground in the BLU/WHT wire between the PCM and driver's multiplex control unit connector B, multi-information display unit connector B (without navigation), or navigation connector C (with navigation) climate control unit connector B, driver's power seat control unit connector A, or the gauge assembly connector C. NO - Check for these problems: Bent, loose or corroded terminals. A faulty PCM.

How to Reset

Push the select button and reset button at the same time, turn the ignition switch ON (II), and continue to hold the buttons for more than 10 seconds.

Miles (km)Maintenance Reminder Light
At 5,900 (9,440) to 6,100 (9,760)Blinks for 10 seconds when the ignition switch is turned ON (II).
At 7,400 (11,840) to 7,600 (12,160)Comes on and stays on while the ignition switch is ON (II).

RESETTING MAINTENANCE BLINKING PATTERN

Scheme 44

Scheme 44: '04-'06 models

Scheme 45

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 46
  1. Remove the gauge assembly and disconnect its connectors (see «GAUGE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/i-2000-2006/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#gauges) ).
  2. Inspect the connector and socket terminals to be sure they are all making good contact. If the terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system. If the terminals look OK, go to step 3.
  3. With the connectors still disconnected, make these input tests at the connectors. If any test indicates a problem, find and correct the cause, then recheck the system. If all the input tests prove OK, go to step 4. GAUGE INPUT TEST (CONNECTORS DISCONNECTED) Cavity Wire Test condition Test: Desired result Possible cause if result is not obtained A22 WHT/RED Ignition switch ON (II) Attach to ground: The back-up lights should come on. Faulty reverse relay An open in the wire
  4. Reconnect the connectors to the gauge assembly, and make sure these input tests at the connectors. If any test indicates a problem, find and correct the cause, then recheck the system. If all the input tests prove OK, the gauge assembly must be faulty, replace it. GAUGES INPUT TEST (CONNECTORS RECONNECTED) Cavity Wire Test condition Test: Desired result Possible cause if result is not obtained C10 YEL Ignition switch ON (II) Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 9 (10 A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box Faulty driver's fuse/relay box C11 WHT/YEL Under all conditions Check for voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 13 (7.5 A) fuse in the passenger's under-dash fuse/ relay box An open in the wire C12 C13 BLK Under all conditions Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground (G501) An open in the wire C2 BLU/WHT Ignition key is in the ignition switch Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground (G401) Faulty ignition key switch An open in the wire Ignition key is out of the ignition switch Check for voltage to ground: There should be 5 V or more. Faulty ignition key switch Short to ground A8 WHT Transmission range switch in R position Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground (G101, G102) Faulty transmission range switch An open in the wire Transmission range switch in other any position than R position Check for voltage to ground: There should be 5 V or more. Faulty transmission range switch Short to ground B6 GRN/RED Ignition switch ON (II), parking brake pedal pressed Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Poor ground Faulty parking brake switch An open in the wire Ignition switch ON (II), parking brake pedal released Check for voltage to ground: There should be 5 V or more. Faulty parking brake switch Short to ground B12 PNK Driver's door lock knob switch in locked Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Faulty driver's door lock knob switch An open in the wire Driver's door lock knob switch in unlocked Check for voltage to ground: There should be 5 V or more. Faulty driver's door lock knob switch Short to ground B20 BLU/RED Ignition switch ON (II), driver's seat belt unbuckled Check for voltage to ground: There should be less than 1 V. Faulty driver's seat belt switch An open in the wire Ignition switch ON (II), driver's seat belt buckled Check for voltage to ground: There should be 5 V or more. Faulty driver's seat belt switch Short to ground